3/21/2019: Karana Rising supports “Safe Harbor” legislation in the State of Maryland.

“We have to stop trying to blame victims. We can’t use jails as shelters. We can’t bully testimony out of kids by arresting them. If we threaten kids like me who are so scared and already abuse, what does that make us? We need a culture shift that tells kids that we see them, we hear them, and we believe them. Let’s pass Safe Harbor and start finding those kids who so need our help right here in Maryland. “

“It is key to use the criminal justice system to further manipulate young victims. Traffickers often use the threat of arrest to ensure their victims do not attempt to seek help or escape. Thus, when victims like Madeline are arrested, the threats of their traffickers come true. This increases a young victims fear and pushes them further under the shadows where they are likely to continue to be raped, abused, and exploited. Based on the Karana Rising’s team experience, approximately 50% of the survivors we serve were first arrested. Before being helped.”

Survivors Demand Cyntoia Brown Be Granted Clemency Now!

“We are a small group of young women who, like you, are survivors of child sex trafficking in America. We were 13, 14, 16, and 17 when our traffickers sold us to countless men across the country. We come from diverse socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. We are cis women and transgender women. Our common link is that we, like you, were also arrested as child victims of sex trafficking. We want you to know that we believe you. You should be granted clemency. You were a victim. You are now a survivor. You are one of us." - Survivors of Child Sex Trafficking, Demanding Justice for Cyntoia Brown.

Watch their personal videos. Join our call to action. If you are a survivor who wants to post your video here, let us know at andrea@karanarising.com

“We were forced to make a certain amount of money each night or risk being beaten. We believe Cyntoia. She is a survivor. Set her free. Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/308140697

nicole’s Words

In Tennessee if a man breaks into your house, and you shoot him. The law says you walk free. It’s self defense. But if man steals your body, attempts to rapes you, beats you, sells you to other men. Then one of those men intimidates you with gun & you shoot him in self defense. You get life. Cyntoia Brown was 16 years old when she shot the man who bought and intended to rape her. She’s been locked up now for almost half her life. And now the Supreme Court of Tennessee says she has to serve at least 51. 51 years for taking back her freedom! We’re survivors too. Set her free!

“We know you were just defending yourself. You finally decided to take your life back. We believe you.” Watch Alona’s video here:

Alona’s Words:

You decided to survive. You wanted to live. I understand that because my traffickers sold me, expected me to make money 24/7, and they didn’t care if I died. No one did. Then, I fought back. I’m free and here still working to be the me I want to be. You deserve to get to do that and I want to meet you. You have a lot of sisters out here waiting to support your life in freedom. I demand they set you free!”

Sadly, The United States Locks up many child victims of sex trafficking.

“A common ploy of sex traffickers is to tell their victims that, if they try to reach out for help, no one will believe them and they will be arrested. When we then arrest victims of sex trafficking, we fulfill the threats of the traffickers.”

Read more from the opinion piece by our founder, Andrea Powell. Originally published in THINK NBC